Historic Oscar win for “No Other Land” highlights urgent call for justice in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Brussels, 6 March 2025
In a moment of profound significance, the documentary No Other Land – co-directed by Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers – was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary Film at the 97th Academy Awards, which took place last Sunday, 3 March 2025. The documentary was proudly supported by CIDSE member organisations Broederlijk Delen, CCFD-Terre Solidaire, Entraide et Fraternité and Misereor.
During their acceptance speech, the filmmakers delivered a powerful message, urging the international community to take decisive action to end the injustice, discrimination and forcible transfer of the Palestinian people.
Released in 2023, No Other Land offers a deeply moving and unflinching portrayal of Palestinian lawyer and activist Basel Adra’s struggle against the systematic destruction of his home in Masafer Yatta, West Bank by Israeli settlers and military forces. At its core, the film tells the story of an unexpected yet profound friendship between Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who, despite the stark inequalities between them, stand in solidarity in the fight for justice.
This historic Oscar win marks the first time a Palestinian filmmaker has won an Academy Award. No Other Land was co-directed by Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal, and Rachel Szor, a collaboration that has resulted in a film resonating globally as a testament to resilience, solidarity, and resistance to the Israeli occupation. The documentary has received multiple international awards and critical acclaim.
“About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope for my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now,” said Basel Adra during his moving Oscar acceptance speech.
The film’s victory comes amid escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli attacks have intensified even after the ceasefire in Gaza. The situation has rapidly deteriorated, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and action.
In response to the growing crisis and the recognition of this groundbreaking documentary, CIDSE and European Jews for Palestine (EJP), together with MEP Hana Jalloul (S&D), are co-organising a special screening of No Other Land at the European Parliament on 9 April. The event aims to bring the film’s critical message to EU policymakers and urge the European Union to take action to uphold international law and ensure accountability to bring justice.
NOTES TO THE EDITORS:
- CIDSE is an international family of Catholic social justice organisations. We work with global partners and allies to promote justice, harnessing the power of global solidarity to achieve transformational change for people and the planet. We challenge systemic injustice and its destructive impacts through connecting, mobilising, influencing and telling stories of change. We promote environmentally and socially just alternatives to allow everyone to thrive
- CIDSE members are: Broederlijk Delen (Belgium), CAFOD (England and Wales), CCFD-Terre Solidaire (France), Cordaid (the Netherlands), Development & Peace (Canada), Entraide et Fraternité (Belgium), eRko (Slovakia), Fastenaktion (Switzerland), FEC (Portugal), FOCSIV (Italy), Partage Lu (Luxembourg), KOO (Austria), Manos Unidas (Spain), Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns (USA), MISEREOR (Germany), SCIAF (Scotland), Trócaire (Ireland), Vastenactie (the Netherlands).
MEDIA CONTACTS
- Annia Klein, Communications Officer, klein(at)cidse.org
- Dorien Vanden Boer, Israel & occupied Palestinian Territory Policy Officer, vandenboer(at)cidse.org
Cover photo: Film Directors, Basel Adra, and Yuval Abraham. Credits: Courtesy Antipode Films/No Other Land Press.